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Biochemistry


Biochemistry is an interdisciplinary science, linking chemistry and biology to increase our understanding of the fundamental chemical processes that facilitate life.

Overview

Biochemistry is an interdisciplinary science, linking chemistry and biology to increase our understanding of the fundamental chemical processes that facilitate life.

Biochemistry is the study of the chemical structures and processes of living organisms. It is an inherently mechanism-focused discipline.

Accredited by the Canadian Society for Chemistry.

At a Glance

Degree options
Bachelor of Science (BSc), major or honours
Minor

Curriculum

At ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Allison, Biochemistry students begin their studies by examining the world around them at the molecular level.

As part of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, the program is designed to provide students with a solid science foundation in the first two years, with paths for specialization in third and fourth years.

Intro courses include:

  • introductory biochemistry
  • introductory chemistry
  • cell biology
  • organic or analytical chemistry
  • enzymology and metabolism

Third year is a pivotal year in the program as you will take core lab courses that lay the foundation for research in biochemistry, including lab only courses like Molecular Analyses and Experiential Biochemistry.

Upper year courses concentrate on sub-disciplines of biochemistry, with topics like:

  • nucleic acids
  • molecular structure of the immune system
  • animal, bacterial, and plant viruses
  • protein structures and function
  • biochemical ecology
  • lipids and membranes
  • signal transduction
  • animal physiology

Biochemistry is an interdisciplinary program, which means you may also take courses in biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, and mathematics.

Biochemistry is available as:

  • BSc major (75 credits)
  • BSc honours (84 credits)
  • Minor in any degree (24 credits)

Not sure about the difference between a major, a minor, an honours, and a certificate?

Faculty Spotlight

Careers

Whether you're entering the job market or continuing your education, your ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Allison degree will stand out.

ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Allison has been recognized by Maclean's as the top primarily undergraduate university in Canada more times than any other university.

With experiential learning and career development opportunities available in every degree, you'll also graduate with hands-on learning and real-world experience.

Our graduates also boast extraordinarily high acceptance rates to top graduate programs and professional schools such as law and medicine.

Popular career paths for biochemistry graduates include:

  • genetics researcher
  • pharmacologist/pharmacist
  • agricultural biochemist
  • atmospheric/environmental biochemist
  • public health nutritionist/dietitian
  • food/nutritional biochemist
  • forensic scientist
  • biological oceanographer
  • medical doctor
  • dentist
  • public/global health administration

Alumni Spotlight

Stephen Crozier ('97)
BSc (Honours), Biochemistry
Manager of research and development partnerships, The Hershey Co.

» How sweet it is — Stephen Crozier ('97) applies research expertise in role with The Hershey Company

 

Testimonials

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Biochemistry is a rigorous program with extensive hands-on laboratory experience that has prepared me well for a future career in medicine, and since it’s interdisciplinary I was able to do additional studies in biology and chemistry. The honours program allowed me to further this laboratory experience by doing research under a knowledgeable professor.


Ellie
Smallwood
'24
Honours Biochemistry, minors in Biology, Chemistry, English
Miramichi, NB
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Studying in the Chemistry and Biochemistry department has been an amazing, enriching experience. The faculty are so supportive and work hard to help you succeed, labs have been incredible hands-on learning experiences where you get one-on-one feedback from your instructors, and I've gotten research experience and mentorship from my professors which has prepared me immensely for my future career.


´Ü´Çë
LindenSmith
'24
Honours Biochemistry, minors in Chemistry, French
Dartmouth, NS

Extras

Experiential learning

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry emphasizes experiential learning — you will graduate with 600 to 1,200 hours of lab experience, developing important analytical and presentation skills along the way.

L.H. Cragg Resource Centre

Generously donated by the ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Allison Class of 1949, the L.H. Cragg Resource Centre plays an integral part in research done by Science students by providing computing facilities and software to help analyze and present data collected during research.

Research opportunities

Research is a key component of the department's approach. You will be encouraged to take advantage of faculty-supervised independent research, job opportunities as summer research assistants, and chances to contribute to faculty research projects, which often leads to co-authoring a paper with your professor for publication.

MacCormack Laboratory

uses a variety of physiological and biochemical techniques to study how animals adapt to environmental stressors like hypoxia, extreme temperatures, and anthropogenic pollutants. The team of researchers in this lab is made up of highly qualified ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Allison undergraduate and master's students.

Waller Laboratory

takes advantage of the wealth of comparative genomic information to study how marine algae defend themselves against abiotic and biotic stresses in the ocean.  To do this, molecular biology, protein biochemistry, and metabolomic techniques are used to dissect how algae control the enzymes responsible for making specialized biochemicals that protect algal cells.

/current-students/department-chemistry-and-biochemistry

Bachelor of Science

Admission Requirements

Our admissions decisions are based on your academic record, leadership skills, a high level of commitment, and the potential for personal growth. The drop down menus below will help you find information on what pre-requisites are recommended for a Bachelor of Science.

Academic Awards

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ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ A is #2 in student awards


²Ñ²¹³¦±ô±ð²¹²Ô’s ranks ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Allison second in student and faculty awards in its latest University Rankings. To date, 56 ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Allison students have become Rhodes Scholars — one of the best per capita records in Canada.

Next Steps

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